Hayden hung up. Mike wanted to laugh but he saw Layla's lost yet adorable look. He suppressed his urge to laugh.When they returned home, Avery held onto Layla's hand. Before she could say what she wanted to say, Layla spoke."Mommy, do you think I'm cute?""You are cute! You're the cutest kid in the entire world.""Then, when I become a big star, I'll give you all the money I earn, okay? I told Hayden I'll give him half just now, but he doesn't want it," said Layla as she stared up at Avery with sparkling bright eyes. Avery did not know what to think of Layla's proclamation. Since she could not get through to Layla, she had to have a word with Eric. Avery sent him a text expressing her disapproval. Half an hour later, Eric sent her a reply. [Layla might be young, but we should respect her decision. The entertainment industry is not as scary as you think. I will protect her. I'll make sure she won't get hurt. Please trust me.]Avery had failed in persuading him too. She was
If Zoe had not mentioned Cole, Avery would have almost forgotten about his existence!After the split-up six years ago, Avery had completely avoided him. Falling in love with Elliot blinded her to all other men. There was not the slightest possibility of her stealing Cole away as Zoe had claimed she had.It was comical and absurd!The bodyguard nearby saw Zoe attacking Avery. He quickly ran over and kicked Zoe in the waist!In pain, Zoe released Avery. She fell to the ground, landing on her side. "I'm pregnant! How dare you kick me! If my child dies, I'll kill you so that you can keep it company!" Zoe lay on the ground crying.The surrounding guards and secretary immediately ran over. Avery's secretary looked at Avery's messy hair. She immediately helped Avery. "Miss Tate, are you alright? Let me get you in. I'll help you straighten up your hair."Avery stared at Zoe who was still on the ground."Miss Tate, how should I deal with this crazy woman?" the guard asked.Avery said
"Zoe, you said that I snatched Cole away from you. Did you see me with him?" said Avery as she stood by the car. "Call Cole now! Let's ask him!""No! If he knew I came looking for you, he'll break up with me!" Zoe said painfully. "I saw the photo of you two at the nightclub! He admitted to it! You are the only one who is still denying it!""Night club? I have never been to a place like that! Either he is lying, or he mistook me for someone else!" said Avery, taking great care to stress each word. "There's a woman who looks like me called Nora. You better check properly and see whether that woman in the photo is called Nora!""But Cole said that it's you!" Zoe did not believe Avery's words, after all, they shared a grudge."Then, you can just continue hating me!" said Avery calmly. "Don't come looking for me again when you and Cole get into another stupid fight. If not, I'll get the guards to kick you out next time."Zoe clutched her waist which still hurt a little. She sobbed hoar
Avery was still happily chatting with Tammy. She did not notice him approaching her."Are you nervous? You'll be giving birth soon." Tammy stirred the glass of juice in her hand with the straw."I'm not nervous, but I really want to get it over and done with. My stomach is huge, and it's tiring to carry it around," said Avery as she took a bite of her dessert. She asked, "What about you?""I told my in-laws that I'll give them one next year. I'm going to drag it till next year. I haven't had enough fun yet!""Having kids won't stop you from having fun.""I'm sure kids will affect it somehow. I like kids. Once I have one of my own, I won't be able to be stern enough to discipline them.""You can take your kids around and play with them! Having kids will make things more interesting. You don't have to worry too much.""Hmm! You give me courage. Whether it's caring for your kids or working, you're not afraid of anything," said Tammy enviously. "If I was a man, I would fall in love
Avery forcefully stuffed the bag in Elliot's hands. "Elliot, the child just moved in my tummy. He can now hear every word you say." Elliot looked at her in shock. He felt as though someone had just shocked him. "Can I touch your stomach?" he asked hoarsely."The baby isn't moving now. He is still quite small, and he doesn't move around quite a lot." This was her second pregnancy, and it was different when compared to her first one. During her first pregnancy, she had been very afraid of telling him about her pregnancy. So, she had to hold everything in and suffer through it on her own. Fear had overpowered the joys of motherhood. However, this time, she was able to fully enjoy her pregnancy. Elliot placed his large hands on her stomach, and the warmth from his hands warmed her. She suddenly tensed. Perhaps the child in her sensed her nervousness, so he kicked her tummy!"He moved again!" Avery could not help but exclaim."I felt it!" Elliot was affected by it too. Instan
That vicious woman! How dare she gouged Zoe's eyeballs!Zoe was suddenly plunged into darkness! She was blind! She could no longer go out and work. Her life was completely ruined!Filled with disappointment and bitterness, all she wanted to do was die. She could not see anything, and now, even death was a luxury!Elliot had heard about what had happened that night.Henry had called him and roughly explained the situation to him. He had to tell Elliot about it because the matter concerned Avery. "Zoe is very unstable. When she's asleep, she's fine but once she wakes up, she starts screaming. She keeps saying that Avery gouged her eyeballs…"Elliot said firmly, "I pity her, but Avery would not do such a thing.""Yes, I didn't think Avery would do that, but I'm worried for Zoe. She is still pregnant with Cole's child. Although the child is not affected right now, if her mental state continues to deteriorate, I'm afraid that it would affect the child." Henry kept sighing."I'll co
Zoe shook her head. "I didn't see her, because when I came to my senses, my eyes had already been gouged out! It's so painful I want to die! I heard Avery say that this is what I deserve. I heard it clearly! Elliot, I won't lie to you! I have nothing now! I can't lie to you!""Her voice?" Elliot was stunned. "Are you sure you didn't mishear?""Impossible! I didn't make a mistake. I didn't make a mistake because I hate her so much!" said Zoe as she gripped Elliot's hand. She gripped his hand as if he were her lifeline. "Elliot I wouldn't lie to you! Even if I did you would probably immediately find out about it! I beg you! I beg you… please, take pity on me." Elliot looked at Zoe's quivering lips and pale face. His heart was extremely heavy.His instincts told him that Zoe was not lying, yet another voice in his mind kept reminding him that Avery would not do such a thing!"Zoe, I'll look into it, " Elliot promised. "But before we get to the bottom of it, rest more and get well so
Avery involuntarily took two steps backward.Her eyes were unfocused. She could not believe that such a thing had happened! What shocked her, even more, was that Zoe had blamed it on her! "He thinks I did it just because I fought with Zoe? How absurd!" she thought. "Avery!" Elliot looked at her as she retreated into the house. His heart constricted tightly. "Answer my question!""Elliot, I hate you! I hate you!" shrieked Avery. "Every time just when I start to feel that you are a good person, you turn around and show me how despicable you are!" Elliot saw Avery yelling at him. He stood there shocked. Raindrops pelted his back, and the cold pierced him. However, his gaze was hot and passionate. The mixture of ice and fire caused him to lose it. He strode toward her."You didn't do it, right?" Elliot walked toward her and grabbed her thin shoulders tightly. His voice was hoarse, "You are not this type of person. Avery, I know that you're not this type of person! I'm asking you
Three years later…Ivy and Robert stood at the airport in Aryadelle, anxiously waiting."It's been three years! Your boyfriend is finally here to see you!" Robert exclaimed before shifting the conversation. "He's not here to break up with you, is he? After all, you haven't seen each other in three years. A lot can change."Ivy sighed, "Robert, can you not jinx it? Although we haven't met in three years, we talk on the phone and video call every day!"Robert quipped, "Digital romance.""Anyway, he promised me that he's going to settle down in Aryadelle this time, and we won't be apart again," Ivy said. Robert smirked. "He's got a strong sense of pride. When he meets Dad later, they might not hit it off, and he'll buy a ticket to leave tonight!"Feeling helpless, Ivy was at a loss for words. Just then, a familiar voice called out, "Ivy!"Ivy immediately looked over to the source of the voice and saw Lucas stepping out of the exit, dragging his suitcase behind him. A smile sp
Mr. Woods did not expect Hayden to be so direct, and he found himself momentarily caught off guard. He had come to ask Hayden for money, but he had not thought about exactly how much he wanted. After all, Hayden's family was extremely wealthy, and he did not want to ask for too little and feel shortchanged, nor did he want to risk asking for too much and having Hayden refuse. It was a tough decision. After a brief internal struggle, Mr. Woods turned to Hayden and said, "I know your family is one of the wealthiest in Aryadelle, so why don't you name the price? I trust you won't mistreat my son and our family." Hayden furrowed his brows slightly. Shelly, noticing his hesitation, quickly chimed in, "Uncle, why don't you make an offer? We're not very familiar with this process. If you insist on us naming a price, we might need to consult my father-in-law." "Elliot Foster, you mean?" Mr. Woods asked. Shelly nodded. "Yes. My father-in-law isn't as easygoing as my husband. After a
"All right. Let's find a place nearby to sit and talk." Mr. Woods breathed a sigh of relief. "Good! Our house is actually nearby. Would you like to visit? Ivy has been with us for many years, and our staff has a close relationship with her." Hayden glanced at Shelly and asked, "Should we go?" "Sure!" Shelly said. Mr. Woods immediately invited Hayden and Shelly into his car and drove them to the Woods' mansion. Upon arriving, Mr. Woods instructed the servants to serve tea and refreshments. He pointed to the butler and said to Hayden, "This is our butler. He hired Ivy's grandmother." Hayden nodded. Mr. Woods then introduced Hayden: "This is Irene's older brother, the renowned businessman Mr. Hayden Tate." "Hello, Mr. Tate. Irene was a wonderful young lady," the butler said. "We all liked her very much. When we heard of her passing, we were truly saddened. Fortunately, she didn't actually pass away! Ivy is a very sensible and resilient girl, one of the strongest I've eve
Ivy's eyes were red as she said, "Hayden, Lucas' mother has passed away, so I won't be able to spend time with you for a few days." "It's okay. Given what has happened, we're not in the mood for fun either. After we attend his mother's funeral, Shelly and I will return," Hayden said. Ivy nodded. "How are funerals handled here?" Hayden asked. Given Lucas' relationship with Ivy, his younger sister, he felt a sense of duty to help Lucas with the funeral arrangements. "It's similar to how it's done back at home. Wealthy people can have elaborate funerals, and those with less money can opt for simpler ceremonies. Those who can't afford much at all can forgo the ceremony and opt for a simple burial," Ivy said. "What if someone wants a more elaborate funeral?" "Hayden, do you want to help with his mother's funeral? He doesn't have any close relatives here, so there's no need for an elaborate ceremony," she explained. "I see. Go and talk to him about it. I'll help with whatever I
Lucas hung up, tears welling in his eyes. Ivy stood by his side and asked, "What's wrong, Lucas?" "My mom has passed away. You should keep your brother company! I need to head back to the hospital." "I will come along! Aunty seemed fine just now, so why did she suddenly pass away?" The two hurried toward the car, completely forgetting about Hayden and Shelly. Hayden and Shelly watched as they left awkwardly, and Shelly said, "Honey, let's go to the hospital. I think Lucas' mother has passed away." "Sure." The two caught a taxi and hurried after Lucas. Meanwhile, in the hospital, Lucas arrived to first encounter the doctor and then his father. Mr. Woods tried ingratiating himself with his son, saying, "Lucas, I came to the hospital to see your mother, but when I arrived, she had already passed away. What a shame!" "Are you sure she had already passed away before you came? I was here earlier today, and when I saw her, she was still alive!" Lucas said. Mr. Woods reto
Mr. Woods sneered, "What do you mean? Are you looking down on me? Although the Woods family has fallen on hard times, we're still a prominent family in Taronia! Lucas may be foolish, but are you any wiser? If it weren't for me backing Lucas, would the Fosters even look at him?" "Shut up! The Foster family isn't narrow-minded like you! Ivy's family doesn't dislike Lucas, so don't go causing trouble! They don't want to see you at all!" Lucas' mother retorted. Mr. Woods scoffed. "Is that so? Do you really think they don't look down on him? Why wouldn't they? Are they planning to make Lucas marry into their family instead of the other way round?" "It's none of your business! You never cared about Lucas, and now that he's independent, he doesn't need you anymore! You wouldn't have come to me repeatedly if Ivy wasn't Elliot Foster's daughter and if she wasn't interested in Lucas. Do you really think I have no idea what you are plotting?" Mr. Woods countered, "What nonsense are you ta
Ivy did not hesitate, immediately shaking her head. "I'm not leaving. Don't worry about me; just focus on yourself." "Staying here is just a waste of time." "I've been studying and interning so hard for so long. What's wrong with taking a break now?" Ivy argued. Before long, Hayden and Shelly had finished their shopping, and Ivy and Lucas immediately joined them to go to the hospital. Lucas' mother had no idea that Ivy's brother and sister-in-law were coming to visit her, so she appeared a bit uncomfortable when they arrived. She tried to sit up, but her body failed her. Ivy raised the head of the hospital bed. "Aunty, my big brother and sister-in-law came over to Taronia for a visit. They wanted to see Lucas and you." "Oh, this is really embarrassing. It's a blessing for my son to know Ivy..." Lucas' mother muttered sheepishly. Shelly reassured, "Aunty, don't say that. Lucas is outstanding. Otherwise, Ivy wouldn't have fallen for him." Lucas' mother continued, "I've
Throughout the meal, Ivy found it hard to enjoy her food. Lucas and Hayden discussed everything that mattered, and the conversation went smoother than anyone had anticipated. Hayden was not upset, nor was Lucas. It was a better scenario than what Ivy had hoped for, but she still felt depressed. "Lucas, my husband and I would like to pay your mother a visit. Would that be okay?" Shelly asked after finishing her food. "Sure," Lucas said. "Don't we need to ask your mom first?" Ivy asked. "It's fine. We can just head over right away and introduce them once we arrive." Lucas' mother grew weaker every day and had stopped using her phone altogether, so it was her nurse, whom Lucas had hired, who reported his mother's condition to him daily. "You restarted your business and have to take care of your mother simultaneously; you're really strong. Most people would crumble under the pressure," Shelly commented. "Ivy had a tougher life before. She didn't crumble, so I won't eith
After what Ivy said, Lucas added, "I want to focus on my career for now. Marriage is secondary until I become more successful." Hayden sneered. "Running a business isn't as simple as it seems. What if you fail or never achieve anything out of the ordinary?" "If that happens, I won't drag Ivy down," Lucas said. "At least you know your place." Ivy felt as though her cheeks were on fire. "Hayden, even if Lucas fails, I won't give up on him. I won't let him go just because of his financial state." Shelly grabbed Hayden's hand again, signaling to him to control his temper; he could be rude to others, but he could not be so demanding with Ivy. Ivy sensed that she was slightly out of line, and her tone eased. "Hayden, we shouldn’t judge people based on their wealth. Our family is rich enough, and there really aren't that many people out there who can compare to our financial state, so why does it matter how wealthy my partner is?" "Ivy is right. Love matters most. Even if we man